New Insurance Selection Help for the Chronically Ill and Disabled

The National Health Council, a coalition of advocacy groups serving individuals with chronic diseases and disabilities as well as their family caregivers, has launched a Web site to aid health consumers in understanding and selecting insurance coverage from health insurance exchanges.

The PuttingPatientsFirst.net Web site enables consumers to estimate out-of-pocket costs based on expected health needs that include prescriptions, and view six patient scenarios to determine how changes in health needs will affect the selection of coverage, according to the council.

Consumers also can use the site to share experiences using an exchange, as well as participate in surveys to identity success and challenges that can be used to improve exchanges.

Most exchange enrollees are selecting Bronze and Silver tier health plans, says Council CEO Myrl Weinberg, but lower premium plans may not be the best choice for those with complex conditions. More information is available here.